Advice for Seasonal Jobseekers & A Look at Lower Local Jobless Rates

Tallahassee, FL – Today, the Department of Economic Opportunity Labor Market Institute released the local and state unemployment figures for October 2012. Per the figures released, the WORKFORCE plus region saw a significant decrease in the unemployment rate moving from 7.2 to 6.6 percent over the month and a 1.4 percent decrease from 8.0 percent over the year.

In October, Gadsden County saw a noteworthy .5 percent decrease from the September 2012 rate, moving from 8.2 to 8.7 percent. Over the year, there was a decrease of 1.6 percent from 10.3 percent. Leon County also saw a considerable .7 percent decrease moving from 7.1 to 6.4 percent over the month and a 1.3 percent decrease over the year from 7.7 percent. Lastly, Wakulla in turn, saw a major decrease over the month moving .7 percent from 6.6 to 5.9 percent, as well as the largest decrease over the year at 2.1 percent moving from 8.0 percent. With these decreases seen locally, the Tallahassee MSA has consistently maintained the third lowest unemployment in the state at 6.6 percent behind the Crestview/Ft. Walton MSA and the Gainesville MSA. Additionally, the local MSA was 1.6 percentage points lower than the non-seasonally adjusted state rate of 8.2 percent. All numbers reported for local unemployment are not seasonally adjusted, meaning seasonality is not taken into account.

In looking at job gains seen locally and comparing these figures with the most recent Help Wanted Online ® report showing an increase of 379 in online advertised vacancies, WORKFORCE plus encourages job seekers to remain attentive to their job search activities and seek ways to capitalize on the current holiday season.

“With over 160 online ads in the retail trade, WORKFORCE plus wants to ensure our job seekers are prepared and understand the value of taking advantage of the opportunity the holiday season brings,” Kimberly A. Moore, CEO of WORKFORCE plus said. “By targeting your job search to these temporary positions, many job seekers find that these opportunities can lead to long-term fulfilling employment.”

WORKFORCE plus offers the following tips to help job seekers in their job search campaign:

1. Some businesses hire part-time. Part-time work is better than no work at all. Part-time work adds to your experience and is an excellent way to show your talents to a prospective employer.

2. Don’t put off applying for full-time work during the holiday season. Companies operating on a calendar year budget will make decisions about personnel and there is always turnover – no matter what time of year. Make sure your resume is available to your employer.

3. Take advantage of the season by networking yourself at parties. Many times networking is the key to finding new employment. While it’s difficult to admit being unemployed to friends and family, they are essential to your network. They will keep their eyes open for opportunities for you.

4. Renew your relationship with family and friends. Many people look back to tight financial times, when they were forced to focus on friends, as some of the most meaningful moments in their lives.

5. Seek help from WORKFORCE plus for job counseling and financial assistance. Take advantage of the programs that provide financial help while you explore the job training services to improve your skills to locate a new job. You have access to these services at no cost. (Eligibility requirements apply.)

6. Understand that job loss, unemployment and job seeking are stressful situations. There is truth to the statement that the hardest job of all is finding a good job. Get yourself in shape, focus on health and enjoy the extra time you have with your family. Today’s training can become tomorrow’s job.

7. Get organized. Write and design a new resume. Customize a few resumes to highlight specific career tracks where you have solid skills. Be methodical about your job search. Post your resume online in the State of Florida online job bank, www.employflorida.com. Use our Resource Rooms. WORKFORCE plus has excellent resume writing software and can make sure you are approaching your job search professionally, effectively and efficiently.

8. Decrease tension at home. Money issues and employment problems rate highly on the stress scale. Avoid overspending. Don’t complicate your employment situation with debt. If you have a friend or family member who is unemployed, be supportive and helpful. Now is not the time to be argumentative or accusative.

9. Succeed with patience and a positive attitude. Understand that it takes time for your resume to be routed to the appropriate person. Be courteous when you follow up with potential employers – your attitude on the phone may be the deciding factor in getting an interview or job offer.

For more information about WORKFORCE plus and the multitude of programs offered, go to www.wfplus.org or call 1-866-WFP-JOB1. Programs funded through WORKFORCE plus are equal opportunity programs with auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Persons using TTY/TTD equipment use Florida Relay Service 711.

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